Right away I knew I would get along well with this fun couple because they had recently gotten a German Shepard pup, which means we’re both dog people! I was extremely excited when Laura Marolakos ,from Heart of Sedona Weddings, asked me if i'd be available to photograph Rachel and Christopher's engagement photos with their new puppy in August followed by their intimate elopement in Sedona January 2018.

We decided on Red Rock Crossing because August is so hot that being next to the creek would provide some shade and a place for KODA to jump in the creek. We had fun including their new puppy/child. She LOVED the water splashing around and digging in the soft sand by the creek. I don’t know if shaking off was fun for her too but it made a great photo!

I loved making use of the backlight coming through the trees and the direct sun light that break through and brings out the clear blue sky, rich red rocks, deep green trees, and light green grasses.

From the start Rachel and Christopher were friendly and easy to talk to. Their warmth and the way they looked at each other with love was super sweet and easy to photograph. Plus, Rachel had long flowing hair and a beautiful smile that pairs nicely with a handsome and well built firefighter like Christopher.

They met in med school and both will finish in December. The more I got to know them throughout the photo-shoot the more I liked them. Christopher works in emergency medicine so he’s naturally cool, calm, and collected. He seems like a perfect fit for Rachel who’s studying to be a nurse. She’s looking into to pediatrics and working in the cancer centers where her natural loving attitude will be a great benefit.

Working with this humble couple made me feel happy, content, and grateful. Christopher already has some family in Scottsdale and his parents are moving there in a week. In fact, they drove his parents red jeep all the way to Sedona from Wisconsin. Act of love!

After they finish school Rachel and Christopher hope to move to AZ from Wisconsin as well. Besides bringing them closer to Christopher’s family, the other reason for their move is something else Rachel and I have in common… we both love warm weather and beaches.

Rachel & Christopher,It's been a pleasure getting to know you and you were seriously so fun and easy to get along with! Besides that you three were perfect models in front of all sorts of gorgeous backdrops. I can tell great things are in store for your elopement in January and for your future plans.